There have been a number of attempts over the years to solve the enduring plasterboard fixing problem – some more successful than others.
Finally a next generation plasterboard fixing with all the advantages and none of the drawbacks.
The ALL-IN-ONE solution from Grapplefix represents a significant breakthrough in heavy duty plasterboard and hollow wall fixings. Designed, manufactured and independently tested to BS 5234-2 in the UK, Grapplefix fixings are simpler (no moving parts to adjust), quicker to install and stronger due to the use of metal replacement grade polymers. They sit on the back of the board, not on the fragile front render and therefore don’t require a front retaining flange to prevent loss into the cavity (bolts can also be removed without losing the fixing).
Front flanges can prevent structural lamination of the fixture with the board. Grapplefix's integrated boss design promotes high loading capabilities especially on double thickness boards.
The long back plate version (M6 plasterboard only) is specifically designed to transfer the load to the tips of the back plate away from the weakened central hole. This improves performance. Flat back plates tend to centralise the load around the central hole when they flex under load, which in turn negates the benefit of having a longer back plate. Our goal was to create an even pressure distribution under higher loading thresholds.
Short back plate versions (only plasterboard options currently available) are designed to install in tight spaces down to 20 mm and are available as M4, M5 or M6.
The fixed back plate is safe for ceilings and the 16 mm circular boss prevents ‘tear through’ in walls due to a large surface area within the hole. However, because the boss is integrated, there is no need for a toggle or front retaining flange and this combination is what makes Grapplefix uniquely strong in both lateral (ceilings) and shear planes (walls). The fixing simply screws (self-taps) into the rear of the plasterboard and is retained by the back plate itself.
It locks into place and is prevented from any further rotation or spinning – a common nuisance with traditional spring toggles that also wander in the hole; the hole required to pass the toggle is always greater than the diameter of the bolt.
Grapplefix is designed as if access into the wall cavity and the BACK of the plasterboard is unhindered – the challenging cavity access problem was solved separately so as not to compromise the optimal design for plasterboard
Short back plate M4, M5 and M6 and long back plate M6 versions are available:
All fixings require a 16 mm hole (we recommend using a hole saw). This is an optimum size for the reasons given below:
Coming Soon...
A complementary range of hollow wall fixings suitable for all other substrates.
M6 Fixing - long back plate
Mirrors
Large Pictures, Wall hangings
Shelving (large and small)
Ceiling extractor fans
Towel rails
Radiators
Boilers, Water Heaters
Cabinets
Kitchen Cupboards
Cooker Hoods
Air Conditioners
Light Fittings
Ceiling Fans
TV Brackets. WARNING: Not suitable for brackets with CANTILEVER ARMS
Projectors
Grab rails
Industrial applications such as cable trays
M4, M5 and M6 Fixings - short back plate
Curtain rails (light and heavy)
Venetian and Roman Binds
Wall hangings, Pictures
Bathroom fixtures and fittings
Thermostats, Boiler Timers
Wall Lights
Kitchen utensils
Smaller brackets